NFL Week 3 Power Rankings

NFL Power Rankings
1) Houston Texans (3-0) - Undefeated with two very convincing road
victories under their belt, The Texans did exactly what they had to do
during their visits in Denver and Jacksonville. With a strong
running-game from the tandem of Arian Foster and Ben Tate, Houston is
looking every bit the power-house that was expected. Matt Schuab has
thrown five touchdowns - four in his last game against Denver. They
face Tennessee this week following intriguing match ups against the
New York Jets, Green bay, and Baltimore. The next four weeks will
indicate if Houston is for real.

2) Atlanta Falcons (3-0) - Also undefeated, the Falcons are coming off
a 27-3 victory over San Diego. This week Atlanta will face the
struggling Carolina Panthers. Matt Ryan has a QB rating of 91.6 to go
along with eight TDs to start the 2012 campaign. The biggest surprise
so far for Atlanta has been tight end Tony Gonzalez. Tony G. is still
productive, reeling in a TD in each of the first three games. Gonzalez
has been spreading the field for wide receivers Roddy White and Julio
Jones, making Atlanta’s passing game one of the best in the league.

3) Arizona Cardinals (3-0) - The Cardinals are the least convincing of
the undefeated teams, but have been getting it done mostly in part to
their passing defense - ranked 7th overall. Arizona has held opponents
to a impressive 4.7 yards per pass-play. They dodged a bit of a bullet
in Week-2 against New England when the Patriots failed to convert a
game tying two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. The
Cardinals are coming off their most convincing victory over Kevin
Kolb’s former team. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kolb completed 17
of 24 passes including a pair of TDs. Arizona's defense should not
have a problem against Ryan Tannehill (31.9 QB rating) and the Miami
Dolphins this week.

4) Baltimore Ravens (2-1) - Joe Flacco has been rolling and Ray Rice
is doing what he does best. Fot the first time in team history, The
Ravens have an offense that is actually better than it's defense. An
emotional Torrey Smith scored TDs less than 24 hours after the loss of
his brother in a motorcycle accident in Sundays victory over New
England. Baltimore looks to gain a lead as they host division rival,
the Cleveland Browns, in Thursday night's game of the week.

5) San Francisco 49ers (2-1) - Many believe this is the best team in
football, but after being upset by Minnesota, the 49ers have regressed
in my book. Frank Gore has been impressive averaging 5.9 yards per
rush. Michael Crabtree has converted 12 1st-downs, but has failed to
find the end-zone. Vernon Davis has been Alex Smith’s security blanket
catching four of Smith’s five TDs. San Francisco faces a Darrelle
Revis-less New York on Sunday, that should open things up for
Crabtree.

6) New York Giants (2-1) - After losing to Dallas in Week-1, the
defending Super Bowl champs bounced back with a shootout in Tampa Bay
where Eli manning exploded for 510 yards. The New York football Giants
are coming off a another victory, this time shutting down Carolina's
Cam Newton (three interceptions). With Hakeem Nicks questionable for
Sunday’s divisional match-up against Philadelphia (3rd overall passing
defense), Manning and the Giants might have a hard time getting things
done.

7) Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) - Michael Vick has thrown six picks and 3
TDs, but yet his team managed victories over Cleveland and Baltimore.
Against Arizona, Vick didn't have throw a TD or a INT, and the Eagles
failed to find the end-zone. Their upcoming game against New York will
be a good test as to what the 2012 Eagles are about.

8) Green Bay (1-2) - Even though the NFL can’t overturn the clear
interception that has tainted the Packers record, we all know what we
witnessed on Monday Night Football. The Packers don’t seem to be
moving the ball very well, but they still have Aaron Rodgers and a lot
of weapons at his disposal. Their offensive line has not been playing
up to par allowing an astonishing 16 sacks. If adjustments are made,
Green Bay can most definitely return to form. The controversial loss
to Seattle may have been the very thing that will kick start Green
Bay’s season.

9) New England Patriots (1-2) - Barely losing to Baltimore and
Arizona, New England seems to be trying to figure things out. With the
loss of TE Aaron Hernandez due to injury, The Patriots have signed WR
Deion Branch and TE Kellen Winslow. Not the power house they once were
but still a very competitive group looking for another ticket to the
playoffs.

10) Dallas Cowboys (2-1) - Tony Romo and the Cowboys came out shooting
Week-1, hit a brick wall in Seattle, and looked a bit sluggish against
Tampa Bay. But I will give Dallas the benefit of the doubt and let
them play the "Replacement Refs Had Their Hand in the This" card - 13
penalties for 105 yards. The penalties may have been the reason the
cowboys failed to produce on offense. Whether or not, the Cowboys
season will based on how the O-Line holds up and if Romo can avoid
turning the ball over.

11) New York Jets (2-1) - After three weeks, Mark Sanchez has
prevented divine intervention by keeping Tim Tebow on the bench, aside
from wild-cat formations. The loss of Darrelle Revis will definitely
affect their ability to prevent the deep-threat. Sanchez will now need
contribute more production in upcoming games against San Francisco and
Houston in the coming weeks.

12) Chicago Bears (2-1) - Jay Cutler has thrown a pick in each game
this season, including four against Green Bay in Week-2. Chicago’s
neither a defensive or offensive team, having problems on both sides
of the ball. Their biggest flaw might be the offensive line which has
allowed 11 sacks and has not been there long enough to let Jay Cutler
and his receivers to get anything done.

13) Seattle Seahawks (2-1) - Receiving a present from the replacement
refs aside, the Seahawks sit at 2-1. Mostly due to the fact that they
have managed to keep teams out of the end-zone. Seattle has allowed
the least amount of points thus far and are shutting down opposing
team's run-game. The Seahawks are dead last in passing-offense at
127.7 yards per game , but they have managed to beat Green Bay and
Dallas, and now go on the road to face St. Louis and Carolina.

14) San DIego Chargers (2-1) - San Diego dominated Oakland and
Tennessee, but come on, it's only the Raiders and Titans. Atlanta came
to San Diego and held them to just a field goal. The Chargers look to
rebound this Sunday as they head to Kansas City.

15) Denver Broncos (1-2) - After the coming out party in Week-1 for
Peyton Manning against Pittsburgh, the "Peyton Manning is Going to
Bail us Out" Kool-aid has become the beverage of choice in Denver.
Manning has been better than expected, but he is not the Manning of
old. The Broncos will need that Manning if they are going to have a
chance of winning their division.

16) Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) - The Steel Curtain is far from being
your Father's Steel Curtain. The Steelers  gave up 31 points to Denver
in Week-1 and 34 to Oakland this past Sunday. The Steelers are
suffering from injuries - Troy Polumalu and James Harrison out of the
lineup definitely opens things up for opposing offenses. The tandem of
Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace has been very productive, Big Ben has
taken nine sacks but has thrown eight TDs and only one INT.

17) Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) - After Baltimore had their way with them
in Week-1, the Bengals have won two straight, doing so scoring over 30
points both times. The onslaught stems from getting nice production
from "The Law Firm" BenJarvus Green-Ellis and having four receivers
with over 100 yards. "The Red Rifle" Andy Dalton and the Bengals have
found themselves tied for 1st in the AFC North to start the 2012
season.

18) Detroit Lions (1-2) - Detroit has the most efficient passing game
in the league at 334 passing yards per game. Calvin Johnson has over
300 yards on the season, but has only one TD. The Lions can put up
points but find themselves giving up just as many. Their defense isn't
the force it was last season, and will probably have Matt Stafford out
at least a game due to injury. Shaun Hill will have to step up big if
the Lions look to stay relevant in their division.

19) Buffalo Bills (2-1) - Fred Jackson has been out since Week-1 with
a sprained right knee, C.J. Spiller promptly put the Bills on his
back. Enter Week-4, he too is suffering from a shoulder injury,
possibly leaving Buffalo without a strong running game for the weeks
to come. Spiller is listed as doubtful and Jackson questionable. Ryan
Fitzpatrick and third-string RB Tashard Choice will need to step it up
in order to keep their winning streak alive. The Bills faces new
England looking to rebound after consecutive tough-losses.

20) Oakland Raiders (1-2) - Oakland’s offense came to life this past
Sunday against a banged up Steeler’s defense. Darrius Heyward-Bey
suffered a vicious helmet to helmet hit that landed him in the
hospital and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup against
Denver. Carson Palmer proved that he can connect with his other
receivers and is starting to look more comfortable in the pocket. The
Raiders will face a tougher defense task, and will give indication as
how far they have come since trading for Palmer last season.

21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2) - Tampa Bay's defense  is ranked first
against the run, but ranking dead last in passing yards, allowing
353.3 yards per game. Their offense isn’t impressive at all ranking
30th in passing yards and 21st in rushing. This teams lacks weapons
and lacks defensive play making ability. The lone bright spot has been
rookie RB Doug Martin taking over the backfield after demonstrating
the skill-set we saw in his years at Boise State.

22) Washington Redskins (1-2) -  Robert Griffin III has a QB rating of
69.3, 209 rushing yards, and seven total touchdowns. Washington leads
the league in points scored but the defense hasn’t been able to hold
leads. If Washington's D could put together some stops late in the
game, the Redskins could see themselves in contention for a Wild-Card
spot if not the Division.

23) Minnesota Vikings (2-1) - Coming off a very impressive win over
San Francisco, the Vikings have a favorable schedule for the next
seven games before their Week-11 Bye. Christian Ponder has yet to
throw a pick this season and Adrian Peterson has proved all doubters
wrong.

24) Carolina Panthers (1-2) - Cam Newton has yet to show any
progression this season. Steve Smith is still proving that he is a
premier receiver in the league with six receptions of 20 yards or more
and 11 1st-down conversions. Carolina is a pass first team and the
lack of balance could be holding them back.

25) St. Louis Rams (1-2) - The magic number was six this past Sunday.
Six points and six sacks. Sam Bradford was hurried too often and was
unable to get anything going. Their offense ranks 27th in passing and
20th in rushing. Upcoming games at home against Seattle and Arizona
can give St. Louis some opportunities to figure things out with their
offensive line.

26) Kansas City Chiefs (1-2) Jamaal Charles is coming off a monster
game and has propelled the Chiefs to the Number 1 ranked rushing
offense in the league. Matt Cassel hasn’t been great with a QB rating
59.3 and four picks to go with three TDs.

27) Miami Dolphins (1-2) - Reggie Bush looks to be starting off his
season on the right foot. Ryan Tannehill has one TD, four INTs, and an
awful QB rating of 31.9. With a receiving corp made of Brian Hartline,
Davone Bess and Anthony Fasano, you can’t put all the blame on the
rookie QB. it's going to be a long season for the Dolphins, maybe they
can focus on getting a rushing title.

28) New Orleans Saints (0-3) - I feel like their record could be 3-0,
but it's not. New Orleans is suffering with out head coach Sean
Payton. Losing to Kansas City in OT and were unable to comeback
against Washington and Carolina. The Saints could be a few adjustments
away to getting back on track but who is going to make the necessary
adjustments? They face the Green Bay Packers this week, both teams
need a big win under their belt after disappointing starts to their
respective seasons.

29) Tennessee Titans (1-2) - Chris Johnson is on my fantasy teams,
feel my pain. Seriously, watching the Titans offense unable to do
anything is nauseating. They are last in rushing yards at 39 yards per
game, mostly in part that they don’t run with only 45 total attempts -
33 from Johnson. Tennessee has problems and being a one dimensional
offense isn’t helping their cause.

30) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2) They beat Indianapolis, got crushed by
Houston, and lost in OT to Minnesota. Blaine Gabbert’s QB rating of
42.3 finds himself in a similar situation as Miami’s Tannehill, no
receivers. BUT, at least he has MJD to help carry some of the burden.

31) Indianapolis Colts (1-2) - Andrew Luck isn’t exactly going to save
the Colts all in one shot. The rookie has plenty to learn but is
working through it. Luck is second in total QBR at 82.0 just ahead of
Ben Roethlisberger and behind Matt Ryan, but ranks 26th in actual
passer rating. So the glass can be considered half full or half empty
when it comes to Luck and his rookie campaign thus far. The Colts will
go only as far as Luck can take them. (No pun intended)

32) Cleveland Browns (0-3) - Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Buffalo to
start the season. Now Baltimore, the New York Giants, and Cincinnati
the next three weeks. 0-6 could be in the Browns' future. Brandon
Weeden isn’t exactly going light up the score board and Trent
Richardson isn’t going to put the Browns on his back and take them
anywhere, anytime soon. Scouting for their first overall pick next
year should be the main thing to focus on now for Cleveland.

-Daniel 
-Jose 

Game 162

As the 2012 MLB season dwindles down to the final home-stretch, we as Baseball fans are looking forward to the final day of the season.

Last season, the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and the St. Louis Cardinals saw their seasons come down to the 162nd game of the season.

The Red Sox needed a win in Baltimore or a Tampa Bay loss, as the Rays hosted the New York Yankees. In a weird turn of events, the Red Sox lost after Carl Crawford couldn't field a sinking line-drive off the bat of Robert Andino. The Orioles walked off the field, celebrating knocking off the powerhouse Red Sox. Over in Tampa Bay, the Rays fought back after the Yanks took a 7-0 lead. In the 9th inning, pinch hitter Dan Johnson steps to the plate. Crack! Johnson ties the game at 7.

Moments after the Red Sox lost in Baltimore, Evan Longoria steps to the plate to face Scott Proctor. Longoria, sent a fastball just over the fence in left field to vault the Rays in to the final wild-card spot.

What was special about this moment, was the whole sports world was watching. Prior to 2011, the regular MLB season would end on a Sunday. If we were lucky, we would get a one-game playoff the following night. The only dilemma, Baseball was losing viewers to Football. So what's the best way to gain back viewers? Move the season's ending date to a Wednesday night.

Baseball, if even for one night, had the sports-world on the edge of their seats. The MLB is looking to recreate that same feeling. What better way than adding one extra wild-card team? More contenders involved mean for more meaningful games in early October.

The Dodgers have seen their hopes for a division crown flush slowly down the toilet. Had it not been for the final wild-card spot, their season would essentially be done after losing two of three in Washington.

More contenders = more viewers, more viewers = more excitement, more excitement = more revenue. The MLB has figured out a formula that they will test to see how it fares.

What better story is there in Baseball, than the team who had no business being in the playoffs wins the World Series? That's exactly what the 2011 Cardinals did.

The Cardinals found their way into the playoffs after beating the Houston Astros and Atlanta lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in the final game of the season. The Cardinals carried that momentum in to the World Series against the Rangers.

The Cardinals proved what happens when you give a reluctant team another chance. Who can forget that memorable Game-6 between the Texas Rangers and the Cardinals? Hometown-hero David Freese circling the bases after hitting a walk-off homerun in extra innings after Josh Hamiliton gave Texas a lead. That is a moment Hollywood can't even script.

Stay tuned over the course of the final games of the season. You can be sure to expect fireworks, maybe a little bit of history, or maybe a little bit of David vs. Goliath. The great thing about the game of Baseball - it is not over until the fat-lady sings. A play clock doesn't determine your fate in Baseball. You can't hide from the final three outs in baseball. You can drop to a knee to run down the clock in Football. In Basketball, you can dribble around the court to make sure your opponent doesn't get the ball back. When it comes to Baseball, you can't do anything to take the 27th out of the picture.

This is Baseball at it's finest. Don't take it for granted, you never know what kind of action you will miss. Even in a 7-0 blow-out heading into the seventh inning as the Rays did, you never know what you can miss. Tune in and enjoy what looks like it will be a great post-season.

- Jose